More Developed v Least Developed SSWG 6 a

More Developed v Least Developed SSWG 6. a: Compare the levels of economic development of countries in terms of GDP per capita and key demographic and social indicators

MDC LDC • Per Capita incomes are high. Capital is readily available • Per Capita incomes are low. Capital is scarce

MDC LDC • Wealth is generally evenly distributed within individual countries • Wealth is unevenly distributed within individual countries

MDC • Manufacturing and Service industries dominate economies LDC • Primary industries (farming, forestry, mining, etc) dominate national economies

MDC • 10% of population engages in agriculture LDC • Over 50% of population engages in agriculture

MDC • Farms are large, effective, and mostly used for commercial purposes LDC • Farming is limited, inefficient, and mostly used for subsistence purposes

MDC • Populations are mostly urban. 80% of population living in cities and suburbs LDC • Population are mostly rural. Poor urban centers are growing

MDC • Birth and Death Rates low. • Rate of Natural Increase is low. LDC • Birth and Death Rates high • Rate of Natural Increase is high.

MDC • Life Expectancy high. • Large number of elderly. LDC • Life Expectancy low. • Large number of children.

MDC • People have balanced diets and good supplies of food. Obesity sometimes a problem. LDC • People have inadequate diets and frequent famine. Malnutrition is a common problem.

MDC • Primary diseases are related to age and lifestyle. • Medical service is available. LDC • Preventable diseases are common. • Medical service is poor.

MDC • Social conditions are good. – Adequate housing, public health, and sanitation. LDC • Social conditions are poor. – Overcrowding, poor housing, and bad sanitation.

MDC • Few people are illiterate and educational facilities are superior LDC • Most people are illiterate and educational facilities are inferior

MDC • Women are treated on equal terms as men LDC • Women are considered to be inferior to men